http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tell-wa-banning-w...

All my friends please sign this petition to stop bill 5383 which aims to ban Wolf Dogs from the state of WA...as the owner of 2 wolf boys I can not let this slide

To be blunt, pets make the WORST presents. Pets should never be given as gifts – not to family members – not even to your children. Pets are not toys. Now, I could stop writing here but I want to build upon this. I want to explain just why pets make bad gifts and give other options for you as the gift-giver to consider.

The choice of a pet is personal. What I like in a pet the person who I would give a gift to may not. For example, in dogs I like hairy, active and often big. I like a dog that would think nothing of an all day hike; higher energy dogs are my thing. I do not mind brushing and live in harmony with dust bunnies (and frequent vacuuming of most rooms in the house). How many people would put up with that? What I like in a dog makes a tough pet for the average person. No matter what we say, our personal likes and dislikes come into play. I would be miserable if someone gave me a Bulldog (English type). I think they are funny and adorable as pups; however, not my preference. A Bulldog would not fit in my home at all.

The timing of adding a pet is personal. Your sister and her husband may have talked about getting a puppy. So you decide to get them one for their anniversary. However, you did not realize they were having marital issues and are now talking divorce. A few months later, pup is embroiled in a custody battle or dumped at a shelter because neither side can take the puppy with them. Your cousin and his wife wants a Persian cat SOMEDAY. You get them one for Christmas. However, they are trying to have a child and cannot devote the time to Kitty and baby. One has to go. Your Great grandma loves Poodles so you give her one for her birthday. However, Great grandma is not able to care for the dog due to her age. The dog ends up neglected and both are miserable. Your gift of a living, thinking creature was not a good one. There are far more factors than just "Gee, we would like some day…" and your own selfish needs to give the "perfect" gift that will need more care than a blender!

You must consider human medical issues. Are there allergies to animals in the house? Can the person physically care for the animal you wish to give? Can the person care for an animal that may develop medical issues?

OK, personal choice, timing and health have not swayed you, maybe this will. There is the time factor of a pet. For example, a puppy requires almost as much time and effort as a child in regards to properly training and socializing. If the recipient works all day, this is not the best environment for a pup. Larger parrots have been likened to manic toddlers. Would you give someone a human tot as a gift? Even "lower" maintenance critters like cats and rabbits are not really low maintenance. They require daily care and work to make them happy as well. And what about long term time factors? Some pets can live up to 75 years or more! Larger parrots and some reptiles can outlive the owners. Even dogs and cats can be a 10 - 20 year commitment. What if the child goes to college? What if the recipient gets married or a job transfer? Well, maybe a smaller pet that does not live as long... Do not even go there. Rabbits can live up to ten years. Even smaller rodents can live three to five years. Our lives can change drastically in even a few weeks. Pets are more of a commitment than just the holidays. Unlike toys, pets cannot be shoved in a closet when the novelty wears off.

What about cost? The purchase of a pet is the cheap part. It is the following expenses that add up. For example you can get a rabbit from a good breeder or rescue for under $50.00. However, a quality cage can run $50.00 or more depending on the size of the cage. Now add on: $12.00 for a bag of food, $6.00 for a water bottle, $2.00 for a bowl, plus other miscellaneous expenses. So you get the bunny, can they afford the rest? What if a medical emergency happens? Can they afford hundreds of dollars or more in bills? With dogs it is not uncommon to spend $600.00 - $1,000 each year in care and food alone! A large parrot cage can run easily over $1,000. Pets are not just scarves you grab off a rack, stuff in a box and hand out. Oddly, I have heard women in stores not buy a gift for someone that requires "expensive" dry cleaning. However, the next breath talk about the puppies/kittens/snakes/etc. they are getting for their boyfriends. Compared to the expense of a pet, dry cleaning bills are NOTHING.

If the kids beg for one, is the family ready to devote to the critter? Mom and Dad will be the primary caregiver no matter what the kids say! Kids are kids and very few are able to be solely responsible for a pet. Kids will try to manipulate others into getting them a pet if Mom or Dad says "no." If the parents are not ready, both in agreement or willing for the responsibility of a pet: say "no." And what if you are the parent? You are your kid's mentor and guide. Sometimes doing what is right means saying "No!" Instead, take them to the zoo or have them organize a supply drive to give to a local rescue group. Or get a virtual pet.

There are other options to giving a pet. If you know the family is actively looking for a pet, make a gift certificate stating you will pay for the cost of an animal from a rescue or up to a specific amount if they go to a breeder. Or, wait until after they get the pet and give a gift certificate to a veterinarian, supply store or to a good dog trainer (if they got a dog). If they love animals but do not want one just now, give a donation in their names to a shelter. Some shelters and other animal related groups allow you to sponsor an animal to help defray the costs of housing the animal until a home is found. There are many things you can do for the animal lover that do not involve the gift of a live animal.

And if this does not convince you, visit a shelter four or five months after any big "critter giving" holiday like Christmas, Easter or Valentine's Day. Ask the staff how many animals were former gifts that were no longer wanted. You may be amazed at how many former gifts find themselves unwanted within the weeks or months after they were so "lovingly" given. Visit a shelter at any point in time. Look at how many pets were the victims of life changes: lost job, move, new child, divorce. Maybe this will convince you if nothing else will.

"The average pet owner that breeds their dog(s)."

So, why are back yard breeders a problem? Well, they just breed dogs for the sake of it. They may have a sweet pet they want to try and reproduce or they think that their dogs are quality because they have papers and/or are registered with some registry. They think maybe they can make a few dollars selling pups, etc. They just put out dogs without real consideration for the future of not only the breed but the puppies produced.

Often, BYBs breed dogs with faults. This perpetuates fault and problems in the breed. They do nothing to prove their dogs are of sound temperament and that they are breeding good representatives of the breed, etc. They just breed. And often, they do not even breed purebreds. Some BYBs "create" neat sounding things and think they are breeds. Well, they are mutts, nothing more than a back yarder trying to make a buck

But many people who show and breed dogs do so from their homes? How do you know is a breeder is good or not? Through EDUCATION and ASKING questions. These questions will help you out:

"Sadly, not all people professing to be reputable and responsible breeders are. A good breeder will all but interrogate you. You should also have the chance to question the breeder. If you are not sure or uneasy with an answer, do not hesitate to ask for an explanation. If at any time you get an uneasy feeling or just are not satisfied, look elsewhere. A few things to ask about are:

1. What is the asking price of the puppies? Some breeders will ask the same for pet quality and show potential puppies. Compare prices with other breeders of the same breed and if the price is considerably higher or lower do not hesitate to ask why. Do not hesitate to ask why if there is a big difference in pet and show pups. Unless there is a visible disqualification or the puppy visibly will not be showing potential, the younger the pup the harder it is to determine show quality. A person who really knows the breed can have a good idea what pups have show POTENTIAL and what may not. Much happens while the puppy grows and that eight week show prospect may not be show potential at 9 months! And avoid ANY breeder who charges different for males or females or who charges extra if you want a pedigree or registration. It is not that expensive to register a litter so the potential owners can individually register puppies. (Many kennel clubs like the AKC require all litters to be registered by the breeder. Then papers are sent out that are given to buyers of puppies so the owner can register them in their name).

2. What health tests have been done on BOTH parents of the litter? Any dog should have hips (OFA or PennHip), eyes (CERF) and ideally thyroid prior to breeding. Then is up to you as potential buyer to know what other tests the breed you are looking at should have. Even crossbred puppies are prone to hereditary health issues and parents should be tested prior to breeding for anything common within the two breeds crossed. Though a reputable breeder will NOT cross as the predicability in outcome is less and there are too many negligent litters of crossbred pups from unaltered pets. The breeder should be able to show documentation of all tests and do not hesitate to verify the results. Do not blindly accept their word – some dishonest breeders will lie and say all tests have been done. And if the breeder says there is nothing in the line so testing is not important, avoid this person as well. Some health problems are polygenetic (more than one set of genes involved – not a simple dominant/recessive). Some health problems take years to show fully or may be there but not showing outwardly. For example, some dysplastic dogs never show signs of having it and it is only diagnosed upon testing.

3. What temperament testing and socialization has been done? Granted, young puppies should not leave the property due to a growing immune system; however, the breeder should expose the puppies to as many things as possible like vacuum cleaners, children, house sounds, etc. The older the puppy, the more experiences it should have. Has the breeder temperament tested and what method was used? A good breeder will help match the right personality to you. If you are a quiet family and the breeder pushes a dominant pup on you, leave. On the other hand, if you like the look of one puppy and the breeder, after interviewing you, decides it is not the right match, respect that.

4. What goals does the breeder have with the breeding program and how does the breeder go about to achieve this? If the breeder breeds just to produce more dogs, for pets only or anything that does not go towards the bettering of the breeder's lines and the breed as a whole, go elsewhere. And if the breeder breeds for working ability first, you could end up with a handful! Look for one who breeds for companionship as well as type and working ability – unless you are looking exclusively for a working dog.

5. What does the breeder feel are the strengths and weaknesses in the breed and the breeder's program? The breeder should be open with you about the program and where they hope to go with it. Avoid the breeder who insists there are no better dogs around then his.

6. Can you see the pedigrees of both sire and dam? Can you see at least the dam on premises? The sire may not be on site but the dam should be. If not, you could be dealing with a broker (one who sells dogs not bred by that person).

7. What type of contract does the breeder have for pet or show puppies (it should include a spay/neuter agreement and health guarantee)? Do not get pressured into becoming contracted to show or breed your dog – even if you do plan to show and possibly get into breeding someday. Everything should be spelled out in the contract. And be wary of a breeder sells you a young puppy that is "definitely show quality." So much happens during growth and development – the younger the puppy; the harder it is to tell show quality. A breeder who really knows the breed can tell if a young pup has POTENTIAL but should not be guaranteeing the dog will be a show dog. Another red flag is the breeder who has no written contract at all. All puppies whether pet or show potential should be sold with a written contract.

8. What does the breeder feed the puppies? You want to try and keep the puppies on the same brand of food. If the breeder uses something you do not, gradually wean the puppy to your preferred brand.

9. What inoculations have been given? Eight-week-old puppies should have had their first set of inoculations and you should be given documentation of this. If not, go elsewhere. If the puppies have no boosters prior to leaving the dam, look elsewhere.

10. Can you get references of previous puppy buyers? If the breeder will not give them, go elsewhere.

11. Can you have your own vet examine the puppy before you fully commit? You may be asked to put down a deposit but you should have the option of having your vet examine the puppy with in a couple days after purchase (always a good idea to have this done and the breeder may require it).

12. Are you active in any breed clubs (all breed or ideally breed specialty)? Many clubs have a breeder code of ethics that they want their members to adhere to. Just being AKC registered is not a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. It just means the puppy was from registered parents and the breeder has taken the steps to begin the registration process for the puppies. Even pet stores can sell AKC registered pups if the miller registers the dogs. The AKC cannot police everyone professing to be a breeder so again, being and educated consumer is very important.

Use your gut instinct and do not get suckered by cute faces or sob stories. Remember, this pup will be yours for the next ten years or much longer depending on breed. You should get the best possible puppy possible from the most responsible source you can find should you go the breeder route.

Many of these questions can be adapted to ask at a rescue as well. Do not hesitate to ask what is know about the background of the puppies (or adult dog), what medical care they have had and has the staff noticed anything about their temperaments that could be of concern? Ask about the adoption agreement and have it gone through carefully with you."


A good breeder takes a LIFETIME interest in ALL dogs produced. They want to know how your dog does in it's new home, love getting calls and cards from you and are always there to advise you of a problem comes up. If a medical condition crops up, they want to know so if it is potentially hereditary, they can alter the program and try to stop the problem in future generations. A good breeder is a mentor and best friend to all buyers and dogs they produced. And a good breeder will sell with a spay/neuter contract or alter the puppy or dog before placement!

   A fire fighter is working on the engine outside the station when he notices a little girl next door in a little red wagon with little ladders hung off the side and a garden hose tightly coiled in the middle.
    The girl is wearing a fire fighter's helmet and has the wagon tied to a dog and cat. The fire fighter walks over to take a closer look.
    "That sure is a nice fire truck," the fire fighter says with admiration.
    "Thanks," the girl says.
    The fire fighter looks a little closer and notices the girl has tied the wagon to the dog's collar and to the cat's testicles. "Little Partner," the fire fighter says, "I don't want to tell you how to run your firetruck, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster."
    The little girl replied, "You're probably right, but then I wouldn't have a siren." 

I saw this on a site I go to frequently and couldn't help but to laugh, so I thought I'd share and hopefully get a smile or two out of those who choose to read this.

Well, the dogs are sick.  It's been so gross around here!  Dogs vomiting all over themselves in their crates...and the best part is $250 later we still don't know for sure what the heck is wrong with them!!!  I think it's the "greening agent" the flipping apartment complex has been spraying on the grass (and in my dog's water dish outside too!).  This has been a really crappy week so far and it's only MONDAY!

That and I've had this KILLER migrane for the last couple days, it was so bad this morning I couldn't get out of bed or move in general because it hurt so bad!!  when I finally did get out of bed I had to take my dog to the vet and then on to a press conferance.

I met our new head coach today and he seems like a really awesome guy, I can't wait for the season to take off and see what pans out!